Spring Intern Review

I enjoyed the insight a lot as I got to meet lots of different participants on the programme from all different universities and degree backgrounds. I was also exposed to many different working environments from the trading floor to working in teams to complete a task or pitch a stock. I also got to network during the working day but also in more informal environments at the networking dinner which helped me to build a better understanding of the culture at the Bank.

I felt valued during the time at the Bank as we were constantly able to network with different members of staff who were genuinely interested in what we had to say and our backgrounds. We also gained the ability to shadow traders which made me feel privileged for the opportunity to gain exposure into the working life of a trader.

We received a lot of guidance during the insight as there were a number of staff from the junior talent team available to speak to throughout the day. We also had a wrap-up at the end of each day by a member of the junior talent team so we were fully briefed of what to expect from the next day. Whenever there was a problem we could speak to any member of the junior talent team and were encouraged to email with any queries outside of the working day.

I managed to build upon my soft skills from team work exercises and also build my confidence through networking and being placed in environments that I had never found myself in before. One of the key skills I built upon throughout the week was my ability to never be afraid to ask a question. I think this will help with my degree studies and beyond as it has instilled the curiosity within me to question the world around me and that is a skill that is essential to progress beyond what you think you're capable of.

The insight was well structured with a clear introduction on the first day and a skills building session in the afternoon. We then spent two days shadowing in our chosen divisions and the fourth day was spent with more skills sessions and a psychometric testing ahead of the interviews. There were plenty of breaks and a good amount of time allocated to lunch so that we could rest and recuperate for the jam-packed sessions that we had ahead.

The general atmosphere was one that allowed me to gain a full understanding of the culture of the bank. The Insight covered all working areas from the actual trading floor, the insight into seniors' and juniors' working lives and networking in informal settings. It allowed me to build my own opinion of Bank of America Merrill Lynch and the values it stands for. The atmosphere was serious and professional but also had a supportive tone to it so that we knew the programme was serious but had the support to guide us through gaining every benefit we could from the week.

The company invested in me by giving me the opportunity to interview at their assessment centre for the summer internship in 2018. I gained a better understanding into how the interviews are run by participating in psychometric testing and a full interview for the research division. The bank also invested in me by providing skill building sessions through team work exercises and the opportunity to present my ideas in front of large groups of people.

I got to experience the Global Markets division by shadowing traders and working in a team to pitch a stock. I also got to talk with Research analysts to gain a deeper understanding into their line of work and their daily working lives. On the second day of shadowing, I was introduced to Market Risk and Compliance through panel events where we could question seniors and juniors. From this, I could build on what division interested me the most and also whether I suited the division and if this was the right path for me.

I was reimbursed travel expenses.

On the first day we had networking drinks where we could meet members of staff from each division and gain an understanding into their every day working lives. We also got the chance to network at a dinner in the middle of the week where 3 members of staff rotated around each table after each course.

They were very useful in helping me decide which division I wanted to interview for. I got to find out the backgrounds of staff working in the division and what they enjoyed most about their jobs. It was also useful in finding out why they liked working at Bank of America Merrill Lynch specifically and what the bank meant to them.

Yes. There are various societies in the Bank for employees. For example, there are many sports clubs and also there is a ski trip for employees to go on. I also found out about the female societies which help to integrate female employees across the bank and maintain that network. There are also activities for staff to get involved in involving charity work and volunteering in the local community.

I would recommend this insight to a friend because I got to experience the life of a bank for myself. It helped me to gain an understanding of the industry and how each division runs. It also helped me to see if this was a career I wanted to go into and without this insight, I don't think I'd be as sure as I am now.